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Mumbai is poised to usher in a new era of efficient public transportation with the upcoming partial launch of its first-ever underground metro line. The highly anticipated Mumbai Metro Line 3, a project spanning a total of 33.5 km, is set to commence its initial phase of operations by the first week of October, subject to necessary clearances. This marks a significant milestone in the city's ongoing infrastructure development, aiming to alleviate traffic congestion and provide commuters with a modern and convenient mode of travel.
The first phase of the project, encompassing a 12.44 km stretch between Aarey Depot and Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), will be operational initially. The entire project, costing a substantial Rs 37,276 crore, is divided into two phases. The second phase, connecting BKC to Colaba, is expected to be operational by March-May 2025. Once fully operational, the metro line is projected to handle a daily ridership of 13 lakh passengers, significantly reducing travel time to 60 minutes. This ambitious project has been in the works for several years, with the detailed project report (DPR) released in 2011 initially estimating the cost at Rs 23,000 crore. However, the final cost has surpassed this initial estimate, reflecting the complexities involved in constructing a large-scale underground metro system.
The launch of Mumbai Metro Line 3 is the latest in a series of major infrastructure projects completed or underway in the city. Earlier this year, the Mumbai Trans-Harbour Link, a crucial transportation artery connecting Mumbai to Navi Mumbai, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Coastal Road, providing a new route along the city's coastline, has also been partially opened. These projects have been touted as vital for enhancing Mumbai's connectivity and attracting investment. With the state likely to go to polls this year, infrastructure projects often take center stage in political campaigns, highlighting their importance in the eyes of voters.
The Mumbai Metro Line 3 is expected to not only serve as a vital transportation link but also generate non-fare revenue. The project includes 1.5 lakh square feet of commercial space available at different stations, which can be leased out for various commercial purposes. The initial ticket rates for the first phase have been set between Rs 10 and Rs 50, and this is expected to increase to Rs 70 per passenger per ride once the entire line is operational. The successful implementation of Mumbai Metro Line 3 is expected to pave the way for further expansions of the city's metro network, contributing to a more sustainable and efficient transportation system for Mumbai.
Source: Mumbai's first under-ground metro to start partial operations next week